What is Cultural Tourism?
Central Florida is more than sunshine and theme parks, it’s a place where creativity lives. Cultural Tourism connects visitors to our local arts, history, and heritage, with the potential to turn any trip into an unforgettable experience. Want a brief lesson in Cultural Tourism? Keep reading!
Courtesy Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
What Is It
Cultural Tourism is a form of travel that focuses on the identity of a region’s culture, heritage, and art. It’s traveling with the intention to immerse yourself in that destination’s community, history, and experiences that shape it.
This form of traveling includes visiting local art galleries and architecture, going to local shows and venues, experiencing the destination’s food options, and purposefully looking into the history and culture that shaped it.
It invites travelers to go beyond the tourist spots of popular destinations and experience the heart and voice of those places. The people, traditions, tastes, art, stories, and history.
Why It Matters
It tells our story. Orlando’s arts, music, and culture spaces preserve and share the stories that make our region unique. From murals to symphonies, cultural tourism keeps our heritage alive while welcoming new voices and ideas.
It strengthens our local economy. Cultural travelers stay longer, spend more, and support local businesses. Every ticket purchased or museum visited fuels restaurants, hotels, shops, and jobs.
It benefits everyone. Cultural tourism investments improve quality of life for locals- with more public art, better venues, and free or low-cost cultural events. What benefits visitors also enriches our everyday lives.
Meet Our Cultural Tourism Team
Thali Sugisawa
Director of cultural tourism
Thali spearheads the development of programs, marketing strategies, and cross-sector partnerships. She continues to make a profound impact by enhancing the national and international visibility and reach of local arts organizations.
Thali Sugisawa grew up in the south of Brazil as the second generation of Japanese immigrants.
She has a BA in International Relations, an MA in Organizations & Development, and a stellar career that started in the multinational sector of medical devices, working with world-leading companies such as Fujifilm and Steris.
Vianka Rivera
Manager of Cultural tourism
Vianka is in charge of managing programs, such as the Art Tours and Local Guides, as well as marketing initiatives that raise awareness about the local art scene. She also supports the growth of partnerships with travel and tourism companies, including hotels and operators.
Vianka has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry in Central Florida. She worked in various roles within theme park hotels and boutique restaurants in the Dr. Phillips area.